Web alert: Nairobi International Convention on the Removal of Wrecks - Malta & Palau

The club refers to its recent circular dated 28 January 2015, as well as its web alert dated 30 January, both on the Nairobi International Convention on the Removal of Wrecks ('the Nairobi Convention') which comes into force on 14 April 2015.
 
By way of further update, the club has been provided with the following information from the International Group (IG):
 
Palau
 
Palau International Ship Registry has confirmed it will provide Nairobi Convention certificates to vessels flying the Palau Flag as well as to vessels registered in countries that are not party of the Nairobi Convention, including Panamanian flagged vessels, following an agreement with the Panama Maritime Authority.
 
The Nairobi Convention certificates will be issued from 15 February. The information needed to obtain such a certificate is as follows:
 
1. A completed application form;
2. A valid Certificate of Registry / ITC (if available);
3. Confirmation of the fees and payment; and
4. Blue Card
 
Blue Cards in electronic copy should be directed to: technical@palaushipregistry.com
 
The full postal address is:
 
Palau International Ship Registry
16701 Greenspoint Park Drive, Suite 155
Houston, Texas, 77060
P:  281 876 9533
 
The fee for the Nairobi Convention certificate is $270.00, plus $65.00 courier charge if the original is required by the owner. 
 
Malta
 
Further to our web alert dated 30 January, where the club mentioned that according to the Nairobi Convention Malta is not entitled to issue certificates until 18 April, the IG has been in touch with Malta's Ship Registry and has received the following information: 
 
“.......as long as the blue card covers the period of insurance commencing 14 April, i.e. international entry into force of the convention, we shall be in a position to issue the required certificate. To this effect, we shall not accept certificates issued by other State Parties in respect of Malta flagged ships.”
 
The club therefore suggests that to avoid owners of Maltese ships falling foul of their competent authority they obtain the Nairobi Convention certificates from Malta's Ship Regsitry; but owners of ships flagged in non State parties should not obtain Nairobi Convention certificates from Malta's Ship Registry prior to 18 April.
 
The Standard Club is always on hand to assist. If a member has any queries in relation to this issue, they should not hesitate to call their usual club contact, or the author of this article.